A Groundbreaking Sign of the Times

Last week, the nation’s eyes were on the groundbreaking of Ramaco Resources’ Brook Mine in northeastern Wyoming, the first new coal mine in the state in 50 years and the first new U.S. rare earth mine in 70 years.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Energy Secretary Chris Wright and the Wyoming delegation, Ramaco’s CEO Randy Atkins said, “This is a very exciting thing for Wyoming. It’s an exciting thing for the West. It’s an exciting thing for our country. A rising tide carries all boats, and this is definitely a rising tide for our country.”

The mine will produce rare earth elements alongside coal to feed domestic supply chains for a host advanced technologies from semiconductors to the nation’s most critical defense systems.

The Brook Mine is a symbol of the sea change we’re now seeing for the coal industry since the Trump administration took office. Instead of being demonized as was the case with the prior administration, the Trump administration has made the industry and the nation’s vast coal resources a foundational piece of their energy abundance agenda. Unthinkable but a few short months ago, interest in coal leasing is rapidly picking up and new mines are opening. U.S. electricity generation from coal is even up 23% year-over-year through April.

“We want to see the coal production grow in this country. This particular mine — and I’m sure there will be more — also is going to bring rare earth element production,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright in a video posted to social media. “Let’s celebrate American hydrocarbon production and the renaissance we’re entering.”